From CIO to CEO of Whole Foods - did Jason Buechel just rewrite the retail rulebook?
Five years after Amazon announced that it would buy Whole Foods for $13.7 billion, a major change has taken place, with incoming CEO Jason Buechel taking over from John Mackey.
"As a co-founder of Whole Foods, I've often explained my relationship to the company with a parent-child metaphor," Mackey said in a letter announcing his retirement to staff.
"All parents reach a time when they must let go and trust that the values imparted will live on within their children."
Buechel, meanwhile, commented: "In the spirit of the Whole Foods Market tradition, I'd like to appreciate everyone who has helped prepare me for this new role.”
“I am forever grateful for your support, mentorship and friendship and, in particular, for John Mackey, whose vision and leadership pioneered the natural and organic food industry, who has taught me so much about leading with purpose and who entrusted me with this opportunity.”
“That younger me, who walked into his first Whole Foods Market store 25 years ago, is living his dream today. I am so excited for the incredible journey that lies ahead for all of us."
“A path as yet largely untrodden”
During his almost ten years at Whole Foods, Buechel has held the positions of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer.
In a LinkedIn post, Andy Gamble, CIO at Currys, said: “From CIO to CEO of Whole Foods Market in under 10 years - huge congratulations Jason Buechel. Carrying the torch and shining a light on a path as yet largely untrodden.”
He added: “With so much pivotal cross functional change and transformation now under CIO ownership - is now the time for the most progressive businesses to see commercially oriented CIO roles as viable CEO succession?!!”
What do you think, dear reader, is this a future trend to watch or just a one off? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Tony Hoggett
In a LinkedIn post, Tony Hoggett, SVP Worldwide Physical Stores & Speciality Fulfilment, Amazon, said: “Congratulations to Jason Buechel as he officially embarks on his first day as CEO, Whole Foods Market.”
“I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Jason over the last several months, and I can’t think of a better leader to define the next chapter in the company’s journey.”
“I’m excited to continue our work together to better serve customers and set bold, long-term goals - here’s to the next chapter!”
Major appointments
Hoggett recently announced that Claire Peters had been appointed Vice President, Worldwide Amazon Fresh, and Peter Bowrey Vice President, Amazon Fresh Store Operations.
Peters joins from Woolworths Supermarkets where she served as Managing Director.
Her CV also includes a stint as Chief Operating Officer at Tesco Stores.
Bowrey, meanwhile, worked for Tesco for over 30 years across various functions and internationally.
Most recently, he was Retail Director at Boots.
Further details here.
